Board members

Ex Officio Chair

Bishop Marcus was ordained to the priesthood in 1988. He served in parishes within the Archdiocese of Birmingham from 1988 to 2009 and was the diocesan Director of Schools from 1999-2009. He was then appointed General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. From 2011-13, he was also Acting Director of the Catholic Education Service. Following his appointment by Pope Francis, he was ordained as the tenth Bishop of Leeds on Thursday, 13th November 2014.

Within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, he was Vice Chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission from 2015-21 and is currently the Chair of the Catholic Education Service and Chair of the Department for Education and Formation.

The experience of working with the leadership and governance in Catholic primary and secondary education brings a holistic vision of the importance of life-long learning to the important role of higher education in today's world.

The formation of men and women for positions of leadership in the Church, in society and in public service. As a Catholic University, Leeds Trinity provides a hospitable place for integrating faith and reason at the institutional and personal levels.

Other positions held

• Leeds Diocesan Trust - Chair of the Board of Directors
• Catholic Care - Chair of the Board of Trustees
• St John's School for the Deaf - Chair of the Board of Trustees
• St Cuthbert's College Ushaw - Trustee
• St Bede's Catholic School Bradford Trust - Non-Executive Director

Ex Officio Governor, Vice Chancellor, and Member of the Finance and Resources Committee, Governance and Nominations Committee and Student Outcomes and Experience Committee

Charles joined Leeds Trinity University as Vice-Chancellor on 1 November 2020. His role is to lead the University on all strategic matters; ensuring financial sustainability to allow the delivery of the University's Strategic Plan, including the overall vision and values of the University. 

Charles has significant experience of working in the higher education sector, championing the quality of learner experience, improving student outcomes, widening participation, equity and inclusion in higher education, and industry-academia collaboration. He represents the University externally at various groups including Universities UK (UUK), Million Plus, Yorkshire Universities, Leeds Learning Alliance, and the Cathedral's Group.   

Charles also works closely with industry and professional bodies, especially in the Built Environment sector, and with local communities.

Charles research interests focus on project management, construction management and sustainable development; subjects about which he has written 12 books and contributed to more than 350 publications in various international journals and conferences. In addition to this Charles has supervised over 25 PhD students and examined over 100 PhD candidates world-wide. Also acts as an external examiner on taught and research programmes in several universities all over the world.

Interests

• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB)
• Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS)
• Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Fellowship of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)
• Sits on Editorial Boards, and National and International Scientific Committees to do with research in Sustainable Development, Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

Past appointments

• Past President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Past Chair of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management)
• Former Member of the Peer Review College of both the UK Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) and the Peer Review College of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
• Former Governor and Member of the London Design & Engineering UTC Board of Directors
• Was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Constructors in May 2017 and received the Freedom of the City of London in 2017.
• Former Director and member of the Board of Trustees for the Association for Project Management (APM), and Chairman of the Professional Standards and Knowledge (PS&K) committee of the Association for Project Management.

Chair of Board

Jamie heads the U.K. operation for the leading global law firm Labaton Keller Sucharow, whose clients collectively have over $4.5trillion AUM and for whom the firm has recovered over $27billion in losses. He is independently recognised as a leading global litigator, with a particular interest in challenging corporate wrongdoing and furthering ESG goals and values.

Jamie is passionate about education and he was a member of a former Government's Education & Skills Policy Commission. He has worked alongside two UK Prime Ministers in policy development whilst sitting as a member of the Joint Policy Committee for over a decade.

Jamie's international work has included working as the UK’s sole delegate accompanying a former President of the United States and other international leaders to oversee Presidential Elections in Middle East, and leading a team to tutor key political figures in Eastern Europe in policy making, campaigning and public engagement.

He is a confident media performer with live broadcast experience, and he has written for major publications including The Financial Times, The Times as well as leading legal and financial journals.

Jamie has served on the Board of Leeds Trinity University since 2018 as a representative of the Catholic Education Service, and he has been our Chair since 2020.

Vice Chair to the Board of Governors and Chair of Finance and Resources Committee

Before retiring, Kevin O’Connor was the Executive Chairman at RSM UK. He took up this role in April 2020, when he was appointed to the RSM UK Board. He was previously the Regional Managing Partner for Yorkshire and the North-East.

Kevin joined RSM in 1999 as a tax partner at the Leeds office and became the office’s managing partner in 2002. He then added responsibility for its operations in the rest of Yorkshire and the North-East to his remit, as well as becoming the firm’s National Head of Tax.

Kevin has significant experience in managing and building significant businesses within RSM as well as advising clients, including three HE institutions, during his 40-year professional career. His previous role as Chair of RSM has given him considerable experience in board and governance matters in large organisations.

Kevin is currently a non-executive director at Aeroservices Limited. He was also a trustee of the Leeds Community Foundation for nine years, including four as Chair, giving him detailed insight into running a not-for-profit organisation. The Governor’s role will allow Kevin to use his commercial experience to benefit the University as it moves towards its 2026 vision. Kevin is a practising catholic and the principles and ethos of the University resonate very strongly with him. 

Kevin is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his four children and three grandchildren, and is a keen golfer.

Ex Officio Governor

Kerry retired in 2024, having been Chief Executive of St Gemma’s Hospice for 14 years. At St Gemma’s Kerry worked closely with the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, who founded the Hospice, and whose interests she now represents as a Governor of Leeds Trinity University.

Prior to joining St Gemma’s Kerry worked in several healthcare roles, including the Department of Health’s Private Finance Unit; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust where she was Project Director for the £250m Bexley wing cancer centre; and Nova Healthcare as Chief Executive. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte where she worked from 1989 to 1997.

Kerry is also a Trustee at Care & Repair Leeds and undertakes some healthcare consultancy work.

Independent Governor and Chair of the Audit Committee

Martin is a Certified Accountant with over 35 years’ experience, and before retiring, was a partner at Saffery Champness in Harrogate. 

He specialises in advising complex ownership businesses and AIM Companies. The nature of advice given ranges from strategic commercial advice to structural and financial planning, in addition to providing audit assurance.

Martin is passionate about education and the benefits it can bring to all. He believes that if all parties contribute, then this can be life-changing, enhancing and great fun at the same time.

He is a trustee of a local charity and works with a number of Boards of Companies.

Martin lives in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife, Angela and two dogs, Basil and Billy.  He is an enthusiastic but inadequate golfer. He is also a keen runner, who has completed four of the six Abbot World Marathon Majors as well as a number of others in the UK.

Independent Governor

Father Paul is the Episcopal Vicar for Education of the Diocese of Leeds.

A life-long learner, himself, particularly in the field of modern languages and as a speaker of French, German and Italian, Fr Paul attributes his own love of continuing intellectual engagement to his university studies, in Cambridge, Rome and more recently at Leeds Beckett University. He loves the fact that universities like Leeds Trinity provide spaces for enquiry and reflection, affording students the opportunity both to collaborate and to compete with one another in the shared task of articulating that which is true. As a parish priest in a poor area of Bradford and one who has spent many years in youth ministry, he is mindful of the transformative effect of higher education on the life chances of young people from deprived backgrounds.

Through his work as a governor, Fr Paul wishes to foster the common good of society, especially that part of it which is located in West Yorkshire. Possessed of a wide vision of the value of Catholic education, he wishes so to influence the university so that it affords as many local people as possible the opportunity for academic advancement, that most liberating of threshold experiences. He is convinced that the more assiduous the university is in ministering to students' key "outer" desires - intellectual achievement, authentic companionship and the securing of lucrative and meaningful employment - the more successful it will be in signposting students, respectfully, intentionally and non-judgmentally, towards discovering and acting upon their yet more important "inner" desires: communion with God; virtuous living; and friendship based on self-sacrificial love.

He is a member of the Old Brotherhood of the English Secular Clergy, a group which was set up in the sixteenth century to help oversee the Catholic Church in this country during the Reformation and which continues to have an honorific function to this day.

Fr Paul is Parish Priest of the Parish of Mary, Mother of God, Bradford and a Governor of St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, Bradford. He has a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge, a Licence in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a degree in French from Leeds Beckett University. He teaches ecclesiology, sacramentology and moral theology for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies, gives occasional lectures and spiritual conferences, co-edited The New Evangelisation (T&T Clark, 2015), following a conference at Leeds Trinity he co-organised, and he has written a couple of pamphlets for the Catholic Truth Society.

Independent Governor, Member of the Finance and Resources Committee, and Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Roland is a PhD Candidate at the Leeds University Business School, researching International Business Policy, and Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa. He serves as an independent Governor on the Board of Leeds Trinity University and sits on two committees.

Roland’s previous board experience includes serving as a Trustee on the board of Leeds University Union. In co-founding InLeeds, an initiative that works toward retaining student talent from Universities in the City of Leeds, he has led groups of students from three Universities in the city, introducing them to the wider Leeds City Region and the LCR’s inherent opportunities. With a keen interest in social inclusion through education, Roland strongly desires to empower individuals and communities, informed by his aspiration to serve and give both forward and back. Roland is a sitting Director for a family business, and he also serves as an independent Subcommittee member at Leeds University Union. He brings strong experience in the UK Charity sector and a student experience and perspective, informed by his studies in International Business and the Contemporary World of Work.

Inspired by Leeds Trinity University’s values of dignity and care, particularly respect and inclusivity. In his role on the board, Roland approaches his duties and responsibilities inclusively and, from a people-centred, purpose-led, and solution-focused perspective. He aspires to contribute positively to Leeds Trinity University's values of social justice and enhancing opportunity, and to the University’s ambition to be an enterprising anchor institution in Leeds.  

Rosario Tom is the elected President of Leeds Trinity Students' Union, serving since June 2026. He chairs the Students' Union Board of Trustees.

Rosario holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Leeds Trinity University, alongside a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. He has been enrolled as an Advocate with the High Court of Kerala since 2024. Between 2019 and 2024, he gained experience working with public sector organisations in Kerala, including the Kerala State Police, State Crime Records Bureau, Excise Department, Forest Department, and Labour Department.

Stuart, in his role as Environmental Sustainability Manager for Balfour Beatty, is responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental legislation and environmental sustainability outcomes across Regional Civils construction projects in Yorkshire, the Northeast and North Lincolnshire. Engaging with some of the nation's most significant infrastructure projects, he spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability outcomes for governmental bodies, private enterprises, and broader societal interests.

Stuart was previously worked in Energy Management, where a pivotal aspect of his role involved formulating energy and sustainability policies and developing the relevant guidance to empower colleagues throughout the organization to effect positive change at every level. Additionally, he provides oversight on sustainability proposals originating from Balfour Beatty's supply chain to ensure alignment with the company's sustainability goals and overarching values.

Having achieved Chartered status from the Energy Institute (EI), ESOS Lead Assessor and Practitioner Membership of the Institute for Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), Stuart brings a wealth of experience from diverse professional environments, spanning both large and small organizations across the public and private sectors. With a background that includes military service, retail, and construction, he possesses a versatile skill set that can be harnessed to benefit the University and its stakeholders.

Committed to promoting inclusive education opportunities, regardless of background or educational path, Stuart pursued higher education as a mature student at Lancaster University following his service in the RAF and completion of courses with the Open University. His academic journey continued with a part-time MA program at Durham University while participating in a graduate scheme with Morrisons supermarkets. Subsequently, he conducted independent research in energy economics and pursued further training in energy management through the Energy Institute. He views a position on the board of governors as an opportunity to contribute to shaping Net Zero strategies within an institution dedicated to providing diverse educational pathways, particularly given the University's emphasis on both traditional academic and vocational courses.

In line with his commitment to widening access to education, Stuart established a bursary scheme at Lancaster University in 2016, which presently awards up to three separate £1,000 bursaries annually to mature students, particularly those facing financial barriers to returning to education.

Residing in Farsley with his wife and three-year-old son, Stuart is an active member of Pudsey parish and enjoys pursuits such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

Independent Governor and Member of the Audit Committee 

Thelma is a Head of School and an experienced academic manager with a multifaceted career in higher education, business consultancy and quality assurance. For over two decades she has strategically led creative learning, teaching and assessment initiatives and major curriculum improvements, on large-scale programs of delivery, directly targeted at the needs of students and academic staff.

As a specialist in the management discipline, she is a senior lecturer and regular speaker on leadership topics, including transformational leadership, diversity & inclusion, and employability.

Thelma served six years as Board Member at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as HE Partners Lead and as Women, Diversity and Inclusion Lead. She is an FHEA Mentor and Assessor, resulting from her Senior Fellow of Higher Education Award in 2021. She brings a broad range of knowledge in higher education policies and procedures, and academic quality, to the board.

Holding Roman Catholic values and faith, she is a firm believer that young people are at the heart of kindness and generosity of faith through their own shared interest in global development and change.  She believes Leeds Trinity is a unique higher education institution with a deeply caring community at the heart of matters with regard to its student and staff experiences and wellbeing. 

Interests

• Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy
• Chartered Fellow Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• Member of British Academy of Management 

Independent Governor

Vijay Sharma is a senior Civil Service leader and Chief Operating Officer at Active Travel England. With more than two decades of public sector experience in large departments of state, he has built a career spanning financial leadership, corporate governance, organisational performance and operational delivery. Vijay trained as a chartered management accountant in the financial services sector, bringing a strong foundation in financial management to his public service career.

As COO, Vijay leads strategic corporate functions including finance, governance, people, communications, external affairs, and estates, helping ensure the organisation has the capability, discipline and infrastructure to deliver its national mission.

He is recognised for combining strong financial, operational and strategic judgement with practical, collaborative leadership. His focus is on building high-performing organisations, strengthening governance and creating the conditions in which people and teams can succeed.

John Flynn is an experienced finance and business leader with over 25 years of commercial, operational and strategic finance experience. During his 25‑year career with Barratt Redrow PLC, he most recently served as Group Land & Planning Finance Director, partnering senior executives to support strategy, land investment, business performance and long‑term value creation across the Group.

John has recently joined Untypical as Chief Strategy Officer, where he leads the organisation’s strategic direction and supports the group through its next phase of growth following the merger of Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes.

He has held a wide range of senior finance leadership roles and brings extensive experience in capital allocation, performance improvement, business transformation and major corporate transactions, including significant acquisitions within the housebuilding sector such as Wilson Bowden PLC and Redrow PLC.

John is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and holds a BA in Accounting and Financial Analysis from Newcastle University.

Helen is a values-driven leader with more than 25 years’ experience across higher education, central government and national regulatory bodies. She has held executive positions in complex, politically sensitive environments, developing expertise in governance, regulatory compliance, risk management, organisational effectiveness, safeguarding, investigations and stakeholder engagement.

As Director of Conduct and Resolution at the University of Warwick, Helen leads approaches to student and staff conduct, complaints and safeguarding across a community of more than 30,000 students and 8,000 staff. She transformed a function that had faced external scrutiny into a trusted, effective and trauma-informed service, strengthening accountability. Her work contributed to Warwick becoming the first English university to achieve the Emily Test Charter, recognising leading practice in addressing gender-based violence.

Helen is a member of Warwick’s Senior Leaders Group, providing challenge on governance, equality and risk. Her earlier career included senior roles in the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. 

Helen also brings independent scrutiny and committee experience. She is a ministerially appointed Professional Conduct Panellist for the Teaching Regulation Agency and serves on the Joint Audit and Standards Committee for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire.

Committed to public accountability, social mobility and inclusive education, Helen combines constructive challenge with judgement, integrity and an understanding of Board responsibilities. She holds a Certificate in Company Direction, a Master of Public Administration and professional qualifications in public finance and communications.

Chris is currently the CFO of Edwin, a leading provider of education services to the Primary, Secondary and SEND schools sector in England & Wales, joining the leadership the team following a secondary buy-out led by Quad Partners, New York in 2024. During his career he has sat in different positions around the Board table, helping advise businesses through transactions as an M&A advisor within the “Big Four” to being part of the leadership team of multiple private equity backed businesses. More recently Chris has also provided guidance as a non-executive Director to different organisations within the education space, drawing on two decades of insight and completion of over 100 transactions. Always placing a high value on transparency, simplicity and integrity, Chris prioritises compliance and financial resilience within an ever-changing education sector.

Outside work, Chris spends most time with his young family, although can be seen refereeing rugby matches in the autumn and winter months before seeking the solace of the golf course once the season ends and the summer arrives.

Co-opted Committee Member

Andy has over 18 years’ operational and strategic HR experience, the last 10 specialising in executive reward/share plans for global FTSE 100 companies, a local building society and as a volunteer. Currently an Executive Reward Manager for Tesco PLC and a Chartered Member of the CIPD, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management from Leeds Beckett University and a BA (Hons) in History from York St. John University.

Andy is passionate about all things reward, especially the governance behind design/ implementation decisions and underpinning motivational theories. He was drawn to Leeds Trinity due to its emphasis on student outcomes that extend much wider than education. He also wanted to give something back to a sector that has provided the academic foundation for his career.

Outside of work, Andy has a passion for travel (a sun seeker during the Summer and a snowboarder during the Winter), reading, and getting as much use as possible out of his Sky Sports subscription!

Co-opted Committee Member and Member of the Audit Committee

James is a Director at KPMG, working in the Governance, Risk and Compliance Services team, as part of KPMG's Consulting practice. He specialises in supporting businesses with internal audit, risk management, and corporate governance.

James has many years of experience working with Boards and Audit Committees for businesses across the UK in a range of sectors, including technology, construction, energy, retail, manufacturing, and housing. His experience extends to working with large global businesses and FTSE listed companies, as well as private businesses and public sector organisations.

Having grown up in Leeds and now working in the city, James is passionate about supporting the Leeds City Region. He is a strong advocate for Higher Education and all that Universities have to offer, helping graduates to prepare for a rapidly changing world.

When James isn't working, he has a busy family life, spending time with his wife, Charlotte, and their three young sons. James also sits on the Committee at Ilkley Town Association Football Club as the club's Governance Officer and Club Secretary.